CRAFTING CHANGE

The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) examines the intersection of crafts and activism—or craftivism—in its latest exhibition, Making Change: The Art and Craft of Activism. Curated by Betsy Greer, author of Craftivism: The Art and Craft of Activism, the exhibition features works by artists, activists and crafters from across the globe.

For Greer, the notion of craftivism stems from the idea that crafting can be used to make a difference, whether in protesting against materialism or creating items for charity. The exhibition highlights the use of everyday materials—yarn, glue guns, sewing needles—to create a dialogue and protest injustice.

“Being able to discuss your viewpoints through a creative medium has always been important, I think, but now it’s even more important because it gives people on different sides a chance to discuss difficult issues,” says Greer. “You may not agree on something, but you can always come back to what is being made and that someone has taken time out of their usually hectic lives to create something about a political issue.”

With many crafted works made from recycled or salvaged pieces, craftivism also emphasizes the use of sustainably sourced materials and creates discourse about consumerism, says Greer. “I’ve seen a fair number of textile projects come from the wealth of materials left at creative salvage places and thrift stores.”

The exhibition will showcase a range of works in various media, including fiber, paper and ceramics, and will highlight social issues throughout history and in the present. “I hope [visitors] think more about how they can use their own creative skills to share their viewpoints,” Greer says. “I hope it invokes questions and sparks conversation.”

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